Page:Czech Folk Tales.pdf/136

116 took a silver key out of the giant's pocket and went straight to the castle. There he chose a robe, girded on a sword, took a horse, and turned the ring again. Once more he was on the road where the princess was being brought to be devoured. He asked them in a different language why they were wailing so.

"Well, our princess is to be devoured by the dragon today. He would not leave his den yesterday."

"Show me his den: I will sacriﬁce myself for the sake of her beauty."

They showed him the rock, and he rode straight up to it and called out: "Now, dragon, come on; your meal is ready here."

"I don't want it to-day, wait till eleven to-morrow."

The king was still less willing to let him go this time, but he found some excuse, turned his horse, and went back with everything to the castle.

Then he returned to the forest and the black man. The black man said: "Drive your sheep home now, but come earlier tomorrow, for a heavy task awaits you."

Hynek could not rest that night: he was so afraid that he would be too late. As soon